finesse

American  

[fi-ness] / fɪˈnɛss /

noun

1. extreme delicacy or subtlety in action, performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.

   Synonyms:

   sensibility , sensitivity , circumspection , diplomacy , tact

2. skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management.

   exceptional diplomatic finesse.

   Synonyms:

   sensibility , sensitivity , circumspection , diplomacy , tact

3. a trick, artifice, or stratagem.

4. Bridge, Whist.  an attempt to win a trick with a card while holding a higher card not in sequence with it, in the hope that the card or cards between will not be played.

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verb (used without object)

finessed, finessing

1. to use finesse or artifice.

2. to make a finesse at cards.

verb (used with object)

finessed, finessing

1. to bring about by finesse or artifice.

2. to avoid; circumvent.

3. to make a finesse with (a card).

4. to force the playing of (a card) by a finesse.

finesse British  

/ fɪˈnɛs /

noun

1. elegant skill in style or performance

2. subtlety and tact in handling difficult situations

3. bridge whist an attempt to win a trick when opponents hold a high card in the suit led by playing a lower card, hoping the opponent who has already played holds the missing card

4. a trick, artifice, or strategy

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verb

1. to manage or bring about with finesse

2. to play (a card) as a finesse

Etymology

Origin of finesse

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English: “degree of excellence or purity,” from Middle French, from fin fine ¹ + -esse -ice

Example Sentences

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

From BBC

With enough time and imagination, kickers and equipment managers are capable of finessing footballs in ways that make them soar.

From The Wall Street Journal

I cannot see Borthwick consistently going with that much power on the bench, because when you are playing against better sides, you need that experience, power, skill, and finesse from the start of the game.

From BBC

None are perfect and yet any number might finesse the unspoken disaster now in the party’s relationship with the broad electorate.

From The Wall Street Journal

And though excitement in the concert hall should not be underrated, finesse has merits, too.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acumen
• competence
• guile
• quickness
• savvy
• skill
• sophistication
• subtlety
• tact